Redskins Pursuing Browns' Runner

HERNDON — General Manager Bobby Beathard of the Washington Redskins said he is still trying to trade for Cleveland Browns' free agent running back Earnest Byner, but the price may be too high.

"I've talked to Byner, and I like everything I've seen of him on film," Beathard said Thursday. "The price could be too high, though, and I'm not sure I'm willing to give the Browns what they want."

The 26-year-old Byner, who led the Browns in rushing three of the last four seasons and caught 57 passes for 576 yards last year, is a restricted free agent, which means no trade can be made until he signs a contract with either Cleveland or Washington.

Byner reportedly wants a raise on the $600,000 he earned last year, and Cleveland reportedly wants Washington's No. 3 pick in this weekend's college draft.

"His (Byner's) contract could be a problem," said Beathard, "and the Browns have made it clear they want a pick in this year's draft."

BYNER IS NOT Beathard's first choice for strengthening the Redskins' running back situation. But he may be easier to acquire than the first choice, fullback Gerald Riggs of Atlanta.

Atlanta wants a No. 1 draft choice for Riggs, and Washington doesn't have one. San Diego, which would like one of the Redskins' young quarterbacks - Mark Rypien or Stan Humphries -, has served as a middleman in the deal. The trade has failed to materialize because San Diego also wants the Redskins' No. 2 draft pick if the younger Humphries is in the deal.

"I don't want to talk about that," said Beathard. "All I'm prepared to say is we're still looking for a big back and we've called about a dozen teams trying to get one. We don't have one yet."